New Business Degree Set to Start Next Fall at Yukon College

Monday, 1 April 2019 13:04

Speakers and attendees at the event included Minister of Education Tracy-Anne Mcphee, Yukon Premier Sandy Silver and Champagne and Aishihik First Nation Business Student and Citizen Justice Billy

Justice Billy, a student in the diploma program and a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation, says she's excited about studying more business-related courses as she transitions into the degree program next year.

Yukon College employees announced a new Business Administration Degree program today that is set to begin at the future Yukon University next fall.

Yukon College Communications Officer Michael Vernon says the first cohorts to the program will be combined, either from those starting off the program off from year one, or those transitioning from a diploma program.

Minister of Education Tracy-Anne McPhee says the new degree program is part of a bigger vision for the growing institution.

"We are very excited to see the impact of the new degree program as it unfolds and as graduates of the degree become our new business people in the territory. The transition to Yukon University is a long-standing initiative and a long-term initiative that will continue to build on its existing strengths and the value it already brings to the territory."

Justice Billy, a student in the diploma program and a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation, says she's excited completing the degree program because it will allow her to continue her studies closer to her community.

Billy says the new degree also gives her a whole new range of classes she's interested in.

"It intrigues me with all the courses that we have here that teach me about the world around me. I like the part about business- behavioural organizations because it has psychology in it. I also like the math, accounting and economics... I'm really looking forward to expanding it with another two years to get the bachelor degree."

Chair of School of Business and Leader Rodney Hulstein says the fourth year of the program will help the college provide future employment opportunities for the business students.

"If they choose, students will have an opportunity to complete their fourth year entirely as capstone-style courses. In these courses our students will partner with organizations such as governments, non-profits, private business or any organization out there. They will help move a real problem out there forward, essentially acting as consultants"

Yukon is set to become a university next year.